Fenthion and terbufos induce DNA damage, the expression of tumor-related genes, and apoptosis in HEPG2 cells.

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Citation

Wu JC, Hseu YC, Tsai JS, Chen LC, Chye SM, Chen CH, Ching Chen S

Fenthion and terbufos induce DNA damage, the expression of tumor-related genes, and apoptosis in HEPG2 cells.

Environ Mol Mutagen. 2011 Aug;52(7):529-37. doi: 10.1002/em.20652. Epub 2011 Apr 27.

PubMed ID
21538558 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

This study investigates the effects of fenthion and terbufos, two organophosphorous pesticides, on DNA damage, tumor-related gene expression, and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. We found that exposure to concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 muM of fenthion and terbufos for 2 hr caused significant death in HepG2 cells. Both compounds induced DNA damage in a concentration-dependent manner as measured using the alkaline comet assay. Tumor-related genes (jun, myc, and fos) and apoptosis-related genes (socs3, tnfaip3, ppp1r15a, and nr4a1) were up-regulated by both compounds. Finally, both compounds induced apoptosis. The results demonstrate that both terbufos and fenthion induce DNA damage and should be considered potentially hazardous to humans.